Political Quotes

“I do not support Martial Law rules in the House of Representatives under any but the most extreme circumstances. Some may have thought the House leadership would learn a lesson from the Omnibus Appropriations scandal, where a few Members and staff nearly got the power to read any American's tax returns because we did not have sufficient time to read the bill. Apparently they did not. We could have passed this legislation under regular order before the election. We could have approved this legislation under regular order before Thanksgiving. But the House leadership has brought us to the point where we do not all have the opportunity to read this bill to determine what effects it will have on our constituents. The rules of the House provide for 72 hours to review legislation before it reaches the floor. Like too many other rules to ensure good government, this rule has been violated repeatedly by the House leadership. They often resort to changing the rules when it pleases them. This is a dangerous practice, especially for a bill so important. From most accounts, some of which are conflicting, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 is a beneficial and important piece of legislation. I congratulate all those who contributed so much hard work. As a veteran of the legislative process, I do not expect perfect bills. However, it is not too much to ask for all Members of the House of Representatives to have the opportunity to know exactly what they are voting on.”